American Aviation AA5

Cheyenne, WY — July 2, 2019

Event Information

DateJuly 2, 2019
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberGAA19CA384
Event ID20190703X52225
LocationCheyenne, WY
CountryUSA
Coordinates41.15500, -104.79556
AirportCHEYENNE RGNL/JERRY OLSON FIEL
Highest InjuryNONE

Aircraft

MakeAmerican Aviation
ModelAA5
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDUSK
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None2
Total Injured0

Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate and landing flare during landing with a tailwind, which resulted in a hard landing and a subsequent loss of directional control, runway excursion, and collision with objects.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, while en route, she diverted due to deteriorating weather at the intended destination. She added that, during landing, a second pilot in the right seat reported a right quartering crosswind. During the "transition to the roundout," she observed 65 knots on the airspeed gauge, she heard the stall warning horn, and the airplane developed a high sink rate. She attempted to go around, but the airplane landed hard and veered to the left. The airplane became airborne again, the pilot attempted to regain runway centerline, but the fuselage and wing struck objects on the left side of the runway. She decided a go around was not possible, so she reduced power and landed the airplane in the grass to the left of the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation station, located about 3 miles west of the airport, reported that, about 2 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 020° at 8 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, broken clouds at 7,500 ft, temperature 15°C, dew point 12°C, altimeter 30.24" Hg. The same automated station reported that, about 32 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 020° at 9 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, broken clouds at 2,100 ft, temperature 14°C, dew point 11°C, altimeter 30.25" Hg, remarks stated lightning distant northeast-east with clouds broken variable few. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 27.

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

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